Bridging Borders: A Conversation Between a U.S. Soldier and a KATUSA Unveils Unique Perspectives

DONGDUCHEON, GYEONGGIDO [KYONGGI-DO], SOUTH KOREA

01.03.2024

Story by Capt. William Romine 

2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division

A U.S. soldier and a KATUSA recently engaged in candid conversations which generated insights into the shared mission of the ROKA-US alliance. It is crucial to explore the underlying reasons that bind together these great nations.
During the interview, CPL Kim explained how interpersonal connections are at the forefront of this great alliance.
After initially joining the KATUSA program to follow his family’s legacy, CPL Kim has experienced diversity, leadership opportunities, and a newfound love of the weight room. “One thing I have noticed about the American Soldiers is that they love to lift weights. I rarely frequent the weightroom, but my FIST platoon exposed me to all the different exercises you can do!” CPL Kim explained. Not only does CPL Kim move some serious weight, but he also has the chance to engage with American Soldiers from various backgrounds. These engagements seem small, however with time, they made major effects onto CPL Kim’s leadership style. “Talking to people from different backgrounds and points of view can really change how you see the world and connect with people. I have enjoyed leading tours in South Korea with my American counterparts and broadening my emotional intelligence to make me a better leader” CPL Kim explained. One takeaway from the KRF-13 rotation that CPL Kim will carry throughout his career, is the famed stanza in the Army Song “And the Army goes rolling along.” When asked about why he chose this quote, CPL Kim attributed the stanza to the US-ROKA alliance. Regardless of the mission, day, time, or weather, the South Korean peninsula is united standing by ready to go “rolling along” at moment’s notice.

• Date Taken: 01.03.2024
• Date Posted: 01.03.2024 21:34
• Story ID: 461218
• Location: DONGDUCHEON, GYEONGGIDO [KYONGGI-DO], KR